Although both races require the use of dog harnesses, dog leads and other mushing equipment, there are marked differences between the Iditarod and the Yukon Quest (YQ).

This is according to Nile Star News columnist Larry Lyons, who has compared the collective merits of each event.

He said the YQ is "certainly lonelier" than the Last Great Race, as it has half as many checkpoints, despite being a similar 1,000-mile-plus distance.

Mr Lyons revealed that many commentators argue over which is the tougher race, with some pointing out that Willow, the starting point for the Iditarod, is balmy compared to Fairbanks, where the YQ kicks off.

Commenting on how the races were founded, Mr Lyons joked: "There’s not much to do during the dark, northern Alaska winters but run dogs and drink."

This year’s Yukon Quest finished earlier this week (February 16th 2010), with Hans Gatt taking the title after a three-way duel with Lance Mackey and Hugh Neff.

The trio have a couple of weeks before they battle it out at the Iditarod, which begins on March 6th 2010.